Andrew Carnegie once said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.  The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” 

This quote seemed to me to capture the essence of what occurred last week at Casa de las Campanas.  The fires, which blazed tragically throughout the greater San Diego and southern California areas, affected many of us in many different ways.  In times of tragedy & disaster, it tends to bring out either the best or the worst in people.  I can honestly say that it brought out the best in the residents and staff of Casa de las Campanas.  The accomplishments of providing care, food and services to over 600 residents without gas for 4 days and without power for 5 days, safely relocating and returning 30 Health Care Center residents and 20 Palmer Special Care residents, dealing with the logistics of trying to successfully get staff in and out of Casa and delivery trucks containing medical, pharmaceutical and food supplies through Police & National Guard barricades, were nothing short of amazing.

But do you know some of the things that kept us going, despite many staff members who were working long hours, in some cases not knowing the status of their own home?  The words of encouragement, pats on the back, hugs, smiles, and yes sometimes even tears, that residents of Casa offered to us as we passed you in the hallways were like fuel to us, providing us the energy and motivation to continue making every effort to meet your needs.

The numerous resident volunteers who came forward to plate and deliver to-go meals, deliver flyers, assemble batteries & flashlights, provide coverage at check-in stations in the Lobby, and offering to help in any way they might made more of a difference than you can know. 

The many kind notes, e-mails, cards, and personal expressions of appreciation provided to us by residents, family members, Board members, and others have been appreciated more than you know.  Let me just take this opportunity to quote just a few of them:

“The Casa employees were wonderful!  They left updated notices at our doors each day, distributed bottled water, flashlights & batteries – courtesy of Life Care Services and Morningside of Fullerton.  We were given take-out meals 3 times a day, for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  How that was accomplished, I’ll never know!”

Mary Lou Wagner

“Thank you for keeping us informed about the situation during the fires in San Diego.  My uncle has been a resident of Casa for the last seven years, and it was reassuring to know that he was safe and well cared for during the ordeal.  Fortunately, I could reach him by phone and was able to confirm that the Life Care Services website updates were timely and informative.  I am his closest living relative, but since I am 2000 miles away, there was not way I could be of much help to him.  Your staff did a great job!”

Ann Doerr, Pacific, MO (I don’t know the Casa resident who is her uncle, this came into the LCS website)

“To Casa management, employees and resident angels, there are not enough compliments and thank yous for Jill and her capable team, all of the employees and residents that put forth such great efforts to keep the wheels spinning this past week.  A sincere, heartfelt, huge Thank You for the hard work, dedication, and love shown to all of us calling Casa home.” 

David & Ellie Harper

“Thank you so very much for all you did to make us feel safe and comfortable during the fires.  It was amazing that this great staff could accomplish so much in so short a time….thank you again from a very fortunate resident who is extremely happy to BE a Casa resident.”

Pat Harper

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.  After being gone for 5 days, I expected to spend a good deal of time cleaning out my refrigerator.  I had popsicles in the freezer and knew I would have a sticky mess.  When I opened the door & saw it was clean as a whistle, I almost fell to my knees in thanks.  Once again, Casa has gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

Shirley Kelly

“At no time during these last days have I felt nervous.  I had complete confidence in your ability to handle things.  The way everything has been handled has been above & beyond any expectations.”

Marjorie Biegay

From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of all the Casa staff, we would like to thank you for your patience, your positive attitudes, your support & encouragement and your kind expressions of appreciation this past week.  It has meant more to us than you can possibly know.  Words seem inadequate to express our experiences during the past week, but insignificant as it may sound, thanks for being you and showing the true Casa spirit and the meaning of teamwork.  Working together, we certainly attained uncommon results, consistent with Mr. Carnegie’s quote.

Jill Sorenson, Director of Operations Management